JP2007124080A - Video distribution apparatus and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for providing a selection menu to a viewer whereby the viewer desirably quickly selecting a program using a VOD menu image can quickly select the program. <P>SOLUTION: A video distribution apparatus earlier transmits a selection menu with a small information amount wherein only selection information such as program selection buttons is drawn and transmits a selection menu with a large information amount resulting from adding design data such as a background image to the selection menu with the small information amount in a lapse of a prescribed time after the first transmission. It is possible to display a different menu (high speed display and ordinary display) between the selection menu transmitted at first and the selection menu transmitted later even when the same button is clicked. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to display of a selection screen for selecting a video when a video stored in a video distribution server is selected and received by a receiving terminal.

  In a communication service using an IP network, a video on demand (VOD) service for requesting and receiving a video of a program according to a viewer's preference at an arbitrary time via a network from a personal computer or the like is performed. . In this VOD service, when a viewer requests a program, a desired program is selected from the programs displayed on the selection screen and the request is made. Therefore, a viewer who has decided a program to watch in advance and wants to finish an operation for selecting a program quickly is desired to speed up the display of the selection screen. As a method for displaying a selection screen at high speed, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a data receiving apparatus that can present an initial screen to a user as soon as possible while maintaining a complete screen presentation intended by a content provider. Is disclosed.

  Hereinafter, an example of a conventional technique for speeding up the screen display will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a data receiving device that realizes high-speed display disclosed in Patent Document 1. In FIG.

  In FIG. 13, a data receiving device X100 is received by a receiving means X101 that receives data from a broadcast or communication line, a data acquisition means X102 that extracts necessary data from the data received by the receiving means X101, and a data acquisition means X102. Analyzing the recorded document and collating it with the document of the reference data such as the acquired image or sound, and the video and audio signal comprising the screen based on the data obtained by the data analyzing means X103 The presenting means X104 for converting to the data acquisition means X102, the control means X105 for controlling the data acquisition means X102 and the presentation start determination means X107, which will be described later, the acquisition request issuance, the presentation start determination instruction, and the like. Control information storage means X10 serving as a working storage area for the obtained data When, and a control information storing unit X106 or data needed to present the initial screen from the stored information is acquired all completed if determining presentation start judging means X107.

In the data receiving device X100 configured as described above, the presentation start determining unit X107 provided between the control unit X105 and the presenting unit X104 is configured to obtain necessary data from the data received by the receiving unit X101 by the data acquiring unit X102. On the basis of the result obtained and analyzed by the data analysis means X103, the presentation means X104 is obtained at the stage where only the data required for the presentation of the initial screen has been obtained from the data such as the referenced image and sound. Issue a presentation start notification. By configuring in this way, it is possible to present the initial screen as soon as possible to the user by the presenting means X104 while ensuring the screen presentation in the complete form intended by the content provider.
JP 2002-142170 A

  However, in the conventional high-speed display method disclosed in Patent Document 1, attribute analysis such as visible is necessary, and such attribute analysis is performed on the receiver side where resources are limited. The burden was too big to handle. Even if only the data required for presentation of the initial screen has been acquired, it cannot be displayed until all the data to be displayed in the final form has been received. When there are many, there existed problems, such as taking too much time to display.

  The present invention solves the conventional problems as described above, and has a function to display a selection screen such as a VOD menu screen at high speed without changing the configuration of the receiver and without depending on the final display form. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above problem, a video distribution device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a video distribution device that distributes video in response to a viewer's request transmitted from a receiving device, and the video distribution device includes: Program storage means for storing distribution program information at least, and first information for storing information on a first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiver. A second screen having more screen information than the screen storage means and the information of the first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiver. Second screen storage means for storing information of the selected screen, the distribution program information sent from the program storage means, and the first screen storage means or the second screen storage means Sending management means for controlling sending of the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen to the receiving apparatus in response to a request from the viewer sent from the receiving apparatus; and the program storage means; The first screen storage means and the second screen storage means receive the distribution program information, the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen, respectively controlled and transmitted by the transmission management means. A communication means for transmitting to the receiving device and receiving the request information of the viewer transmitted from the receiving device, and for the viewer of the viewer transmitted from the receiving device. According to a program selection screen request, at least two types of program selection screen information having different information amounts are selected and transmitted.

  The video distribution device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the video distribution device according to the first aspect, wherein the information on the first selection screen is less in screen information than the information on the second selection screen. The selection screen information that can be received in a short time, and the information on the second selection screen is selection screen information having more screen information in addition to the screen in the information on the first selection screen. First, information on the first selection screen is transmitted in response to a program selection screen request transmitted from the receiving device, and then the second selection screen in response to program selection screen request information transmitted from the receiving device. This information is transmitted.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the video distribution device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the information on the first selection screen and the information on the second selection screen are displayed on the respective program selection screens. The hierarchy is composed of at least two hierarchies, and information on the first hierarchy of the first selection screen is first transmitted in response to program selection screen request information transmitted from the receiving device, and thereafter the receiving device In response to the program selection screen request information transmitted from, information on any level of the second selection screen or information on any level after the second level of the first selection screen is transmitted. Is.

  The video distribution device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the video distribution device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the information on the first selection screen includes timer setting time information and the timer setting in addition to the program selection screen. When time elapses, the video distribution apparatus automatically has information for requesting transmission of information on the second selection screen.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video distribution device that distributes video in response to a viewer's request transmitted from a receiving device, wherein the video distribution device stores at least distribution program information. Program storage means, and information on a first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiver, and stores information on the first selection screen. The first screen storage means for repeatedly outputting a part or all of the information is different from the information on the first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiver. Second screen storage means for storing information on a second selection screen having more screen information and repeatedly outputting part or all of the information on the second selection screen; In response to the distribution program information request selected based on the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen, the distribution program information output from the program storage means is received and sent to the receiving device. And at least two types of program selection screen information with different amounts of information are repeatedly transmitted to the receiving device, respectively, and communication means for receiving the viewer request information transmitted from the receiving device. To be sent.

  The video distribution device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the video distribution device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the output cycle of the information on the first selection screen that is repeatedly output is the information on the information on the second selection screen that is repeatedly output. This is shorter than the output cycle.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program for causing a computer to function as a video distribution device that distributes video in response to a viewer's request transmitted from a receiving device. Program storage means for storing information;
A first screen storage means for storing information on a first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiver; and the viewer in the receiver. Second screen storage means for storing information on a second selection screen having more screen information different from information on the first selection screen for selecting the distribution program information stored in the program storage means; The distribution program information sent from the program storage means and the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen sent from the first screen storage means or the second screen storage means Transmission management means for controlling transmission to the viewer in response to a request from the viewer, the program storage means, the first screen storage means, and the second screen The product means receives the distribution program information, the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen, which are respectively controlled and transmitted by the transmission management means, and transmits them to the receiving device, and It is a computer program for functioning as communication means for receiving the viewer request information transmitted from a receiving device.

A computer program according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to function as a video distribution device that distributes video in response to a viewer's request transmitted from a receiving device. Program storage means for storing information;
The viewer accumulates information on a first selection screen for selecting the distribution program information stored in the program accumulation means in the receiving device, and repeats part or all of the information on the first selection screen. More screen information different from the first screen storage means for outputting and the information on the first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiving device And a second screen storage means for repeatedly outputting a part or all of the information on the second selection screen, and the receiving device, wherein the viewer selects the first selection screen. In response to the distribution program information request selected based on the information or the information on the second selection screen, the distribution program information output from the program storage means is received and sent to the receiving device. It transmits a computer program to function as a communication means for receiving the request information of the viewer transmitted from the receiving apparatus.

  According to the video distribution apparatus of the present invention, when a viewer selects a desired program from among the programs displayed on the selection screen using the receiving apparatus and makes a request, the program that the user wants to watch has already been determined. If you want to select the program you want to watch, you can select it on the selection screen (early switching selection screen) that displays only the selection information such as the selection button sent earlier, and carefully select your favorite program If you want to select, it is possible to select on the selection screen attached with additional information such as background in addition to selection information such as selection buttons, so the viewer can select the optimal menu according to the viewer's request A screen can be provided.

  Further, since the next screen to be selected can be selected in accordance with the screen selected first, for example, selection on the early switching screen can always be performed after the early switching screen is selected, and more efficient selection is possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a VOD system on a CATV network according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Although a CATV network will be described as an example here, the network form is not particularly limited to the CATV network.

  In FIG. 1, a video distribution apparatus 100 includes a first screen storage unit 101 for storing a selection screen for a viewer to select a program such as a VOD menu screen, and a viewer for a program such as a VOD menu screen. A selection screen for selecting for viewing, a second screen storage unit 102 for storing a selection screen different from the first screen storage unit 101, and means for storing distribution program information in response to a user request The VOD server 103 that distributes video, the transmission management unit 104 that controls transmission of output signals in the VOD server 103, the first screen storage unit 101, and the second screen storage unit 102, and the transmission management unit 104, respectively. Receives output signals from the VOD server 103, the first screen storage unit 101, and the second screen storage unit 102, which are controlled to output the output signals. It transmits to a communication apparatus which STB 160, is composed of a communication unit 105 for receiving a request signal from the STB 160. This video distribution apparatus 100, a cable modem termination system (CMTS) 110 which is a cable modem termination system of a cable modem for performing IP communication in a CATV network, and a TS over IP (Transport Stream Internet) which is an output of the VOD server 103. (Protocol) format signal-based IP-QAM 120 for 64QAM modulation according to the CATV network, mixer (MIXER) 130 for mixing the 64QAM modulated signal, CATV network 140, cable modem 150, and receiving apparatus STB (Set Top Box) 160, receiving terminal remote controller (STB remote controller) 170, and receiving apparatus S TV180 and the video distribution system for displaying an output signal of the B 160, that is, the VOD system is configured.

  The operation and components of the video distribution device 100 and the VOD system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention configured as described above will be described in detail below.

  First, referring to FIG. 1, the menu screen which is a selection screen has one hierarchy, and the video distribution apparatus 100 transmits the menu screen in response to a request from the STB 160, and the selection stored in the first screen storage unit 101. The operation when the screen (first selection screen) and the selection screen (second selection screen) stored in the second screen storage unit 102 are automatically switched will be described.

  The communication protocol between the STB 160 and the video distribution apparatus 100 will be described using HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) as an example, but is not limited to HTTP.

  When a viewer transmits a VOD program transmission request signal from the STB 160 as a receiving device by operating the remote controller 170 while viewing on the TV 180, in the video distribution device 100, the communication unit 105 transmits the VOD program transmitted from the STB 160. The request signal is received, and the received content is notified to the transmission management unit 104. Based on the received content notified from the communication unit 105, the transmission management unit 104 controls the first screen storage unit 101 to transmit the information on the first selection screen stored therein. The first screen storage unit 101 transmits information on the first selection screen to the STB 160 via the communication unit 105 according to the control from the transmission management unit 104. Since the first selection screen transmitted from the first screen storage unit 101 displays only a minimum image necessary for program selection, such as a program selection button, and the amount of information is small, the STB 160 uses this first selection screen. Can be received earlier in a shorter time than when receiving a normal selection screen.

  The information on the first selection screen transmitted from the first screen storage unit 101 includes timer setting time information and information for requesting transmission of the second selection screen stored in the second screen storage unit 102. The STB 160 displays the first selection screen received from the video distribution device 100 on the TV 180 and sets the timer setting time included in the information on the first selection screen to a built-in timer. When the time set in the timer is reached, a transmission request signal for the second selection screen is transmitted to the video distribution apparatus 100. In the video distribution apparatus 100, the communication unit 105 receives the transmission request signal for the second selection screen transmitted from the STB 160, and notifies the transmission management unit 104 of the received content. Based on the received content notified from the communication unit 105, the transmission management unit 104 controls the second screen storage unit 102 to transmit information on the second selection screen stored therein. In addition to the program selection button, the second selection screen includes more screen information than the screen information of the first selection screen, such as a background screen and a preview screen. The second screen selection unit 102 transmits a second selection screen having a lot of screen information to the STB 160 via the communication unit 105 in response to a transmission request signal for the second selection screen from the STB 160. With this configuration, the STB 160 first displays a first selection screen, for example, a selection screen containing only selection buttons at a high speed, and then the second selection screen, that is, the amount of information on which a background image or the like is drawn. It is possible to automatically switch to a selection screen with a large number of images.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the selection screen is switched from the first selection screen to the second selection screen.

  In FIG. 2, when the VOD program transmission request signal is transmitted from the STB 160 to the video distribution device 100, the selection screen 210 is displayed on the first screen storage unit 101 that is first transmitted from the video distribution device 100 to the STB 160. It is the accumulated first selection screen. When the STB 160 automatically transmits a VOD program transmission request signal to the video distribution apparatus 100 after the timer set time has elapsed after receiving the selection screen 210, the selection screen 220 is transmitted from the video distribution apparatus 100 to the STB 160. It is the 2nd selection screen accumulate | stored in the 2nd screen storage part 102 transmitted in this way. A plurality of selection buttons 211 provided for each type of menu are displayed on the selection screens of both the first selection screen and the second selection screen, and are displayed corresponding to the selection buttons 211 provided for each type of menu. The background image 221 to be displayed is displayed only on the second selection screen.

  The VOD program selected by the viewer using the selection button 211 on the first selection screen or the second selection screen displayed in this way is distributed from the VOD server 103 of the video distribution apparatus 100 to the STB 160 and displayed on the TV 180. The At this time, if the display position of the selection information including the selection button 211 on the selection screen 210 and the display position of the selection information including the selection button 211 on the selection screen 220 are set to the same display position, the selection screen is selected from the selection screen 210. Since information is added when transitioning to the screen 220, the viewer does not feel uncomfortable.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a processing flow related to communication performed between video distribution apparatus 100 and STB 160 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Next, processing related to communication performed between the video distribution apparatus 100 and the STB 160 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the viewer operates the VOD request button assigned to the remote controller 170, the STB 160 issues a VOD request signal to the video distribution apparatus 100 (S301). In the video distribution apparatus 100 that has received the VOD request signal transmitted from the STB 160, the transmission management unit 104 confirms that the request signal received from the STB 160 is the first VOD request signal, and Then, a request signal is transmitted to request transmission of the first selection screen, that is, the selection screen that can be displayed at a high speed with a small amount of information by displaying only the selection button (S302). At this time, information indicating which STB has received the VOD request signal is also transmitted to the first screen storage unit 101. Here, the VOD request signal may be a description for directly requesting information stored in the first screen storage unit 101. The selection screen information stored in the first screen storage unit 101 includes program selection information such as a selection button, information for automatically issuing the next selection screen request signal, Information about the time until the selection screen request signal is issued is described. The first screen storage unit 101 that has received the request signal from the transmission management unit 104 transmits the stored information of the first selection screen to the STB 160 that has transmitted the VOD request signal via the communication unit 105 ( S303). Information for recognizing the STB 160 that has transmitted a signal such as a VOD request signal to the video distribution apparatus 100 may be managed by the transmission management unit 104 or the communication unit 105.

  The STB 160 that has received the information on the first selection screen displays the first selection screen and uses a timer that incorporates the time described in the information on the first selection screen, that is, the time until the next selection screen request signal is issued. set. If the program is not selected until the time set in the timer, the selection screen request signal described in the information on the first selection screen, here the second selection screen request signal, is sent to the video distribution apparatus 100. Issue (S304).

  In the video distribution apparatus 100 that has received the VOD request signal (here, the second selection screen request signal), the transmission management unit 104 has confirmed that it is the next selection screen request signal (second selection screen request signal). Thereafter, a request signal for requesting the second screen storage unit 102 to transmit a second selection screen, that is, a selection screen having a large amount of information including a background image in addition to the selection button is transmitted (S305). At this time, information indicating from which STB 160 the VOD request signal has been received is also transmitted to the second screen storage unit 102. Here, the VOD request signal may be a description that directly requests information of the second screen storage unit 102. Receiving the request signal from the transmission management unit 104, the second screen storage unit 102 transmits the stored second selection screen to the STB 160 that has transmitted the VOD request signal via the communication unit 105 (S306). ). Information that recognizes the STB 160 that has transmitted the VOD request signal may be managed by the transmission management unit 104 or the communication unit 105.

  The STB 160 that has received the second selection screen from the video distribution apparatus 100 displays the second selection screen on the TV 180. The viewer selects a desired program using the remote controller 170 while confirming the second selection screen displayed on the TV 180. The STB 160 issues a program distribution request signal corresponding to the program selected by the viewer to the video distribution apparatus 100 (S307).

  In the video distribution apparatus 100 that has received the VOD request signal (in this case, the program distribution request signal), the transmission management unit 104 confirms that the received VOD request signal is the program request signal, and then sends a program to the VOD server 103. A distribution request signal is transmitted (S308). At this time, information indicating which STB 160 has received the VOD request signal is also transmitted to the VOD server 103. Here, the program distribution request signal may be a description for directly requesting information of the VOD server 103.

  Upon receiving the program distribution request signal from the transmission management unit 104, the VOD server 103 transmits the stored program corresponding to the program distribution request together with the channel selection information via the communication unit 105. To the STB 160 (S309). Information for recognizing the STB 160 that has transmitted the VOD request signal may be managed by the transmission management unit 104 or the communication unit 105.

  The STB 160 that has received the program desired by the viewer from the video distribution apparatus 100 displays the received program on the TV 180.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of operation of the STB in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Next, the operation of STB 160, which is a receiving apparatus, will be described using FIG. The request signal transmitted from the STB 160 will be described using an example described in BML (Broadcast Markup Language) as an example, but is not limited thereto. In the video distribution apparatus 100, the communication unit 105 or the transmission management unit 104 includes a BML processing unit (not shown) that can interpret an HTTP command described in BML.

  When the VOD menu request from the viewer is received from the remote controller 170 (S401), the STB 160 sends the Browse. Launch document (http://192.168.10.123/a.bml) is transmitted (S402). Here, 192.168.10.123 is the IP address of the video distribution apparatus 100, and a. bml is a command indicating the first selection screen.

  When the processing in the video distribution device 100 ends, the STB 160 receives the first selection screen and the next selection screen request signal issue time from the video distribution device 100, and stores the end time at the selection screen request signal issue time in a built-in memory. (S403). Here, the next selection screen request signal issuance time can be saved by permanently storing a file in which the end time (for example, 200) described as “timeinfo” is described in the built-in memory by writePersistentString described in BML. After saving, the first selection screen is displayed on the TV 180 (S404). Subsequently, the file timeinfo in which the end time stored in step S403 is described is read by readPersistentString, set to a timer using setInterval with a variable name of endfile, and processing timer () performed when the timer is set is also included. Is set (S405). Thus, when the timer counts up one by one and reaches endfile (for example, 200), the process described in timer () is executed (S406). When the timer reaches a value drawn in endfile, for example, 200, that is, when the program playback (here, playback of the first selection screen) is finished, the STB 160 sends a message to the video distribution device 100 as described in timer (). Then, the menu screen is requested using launchDocument (S407). B. Described in step S407. bml is a command indicating the second selection screen. When the second selection screen is sent from the video distribution apparatus 100 based on the request for the menu screen, the STB 160 displays the received second selection screen on the TV 180 (S408), and the viewer uses the second selection screen. When a desired program is selected by the remote controller 180, a program distribution request signal is issued to the video distribution apparatus 100 (S409). Subsequently, the STB 160 receives channel selection information corresponding to the program request signal transmitted by the VOD server 103 of the video distribution apparatus 100 via the communication unit 105 based on the issuance of the program request signal (S410). In this channel selection information, frequency information for selecting a distribution program, an ID indicating the program, and the like are described. The viewer selects a channel according to the channel selection information received from the video distribution apparatus 100 by the STB 160 and reproduces a desired program (S411), whereby a series of program selection processing is completed (S412).

  Next, description will be made regarding a case where the viewer selects a program using the remote controller 170 during the display period of the first selection screen in the STB 160. In this case, the same processing as when a program is selected on the second selection screen is performed. That is, in FIG. 3, the process after step S307 is performed after the process in step S303, and in FIG. 4, the process after step S409 is performed after the process in step S405.

  By performing the processing as described above, the viewer can select a program on the first selection screen with a fast screen display when the desired (selected) program is determined and the user wants to select the program quickly. In addition, when it is desired to select a program carefully, it is possible to select a program on the second selection screen with a large amount of information and a beautiful display.

(Embodiment 2)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is also a block diagram showing the configuration of the VOD system on the CATV network in the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the menu configuration on the selection screen is that the first embodiment has one hierarchy, whereas the second embodiment has two or more hierarchies. It is.

  Here, a process when the menu configuration on the selection screen has two layers will be described. Note that the processing in the case where the menu configuration is three or more layers is the same as the processing in the case of two layers, so only the processing in the case of two layers will be described here.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the case where the menu screen has a two-layer structure with respect to communication performed between video distribution apparatus 100 and STB 160 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. First, a process when a menu (program) is selected on the first selection screen in the first selection screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the processing from step S501 to step S503 is exactly the same as the processing from step S301 to step S303 in FIG.

  After the STB 160 sets a timer and displays the first selection screen, the viewer selects one of the program selection buttons 211 (selects a desired program) on the first selection screen before the timer set time. The next selection screen request signal is transmitted to the distribution apparatus 100 (S504). The next selection screen request signal here may be described in the information of the first selection screen displayed first, or may indicate which button has been selected on the first selection screen.

  The video distribution apparatus 100 that has received the VOD request signal (here, the next selection screen request signal) confirms that the VOD request signal received by the transmission management unit 104 is the next screen request signal. At this time, the transmission management unit 104 can determine that the viewer has selected the program selection button 211 on the first selection screen based on the VOD request signal received from the STB 160, and thus the viewer desires quick screen selection. The first selection screen 1, which is the selection screen of the next layer, that is, the selection screen of the next layer with a small amount of information on which only the selection button is drawn is transmitted to the first screen storage unit 101. A request signal to request is transmitted (S505).

  The first screen storage unit 101 that has received the request signal from the transmission management unit 104 passes the stored information on the first selection screen 1 of the next layer through the communication unit 105 to the STB 160 that has transmitted the VOD request signal. (S506). The information on the first selection screen 1 may be set so that a timer is set and the second selection screen is automatically requested after a lapse of a predetermined time, or it is determined that the viewer desires an early selection. Then, the first selection screen 1 may be continuously displayed without a timer. Since the processing from step S507 to step S509 is exactly the same as the processing from step S307 to step S309 in FIG. 3, the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of operation of the STB in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  Next, the flow of operation of the STB 160 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described using FIG.

  The difference from FIG. 4 in the first embodiment of the present invention is that, in FIG. 4, an event is generated from the timer when the set time is reached in step S406, and the second event is generated along with the event from the timer in step S407. Although the selection screen has been requested, since the viewer has selected a program on the first selection screen before the set time of the timer, this portion is the process in step S606 for issuing the first selection screen 1 request in FIG. Accordingly, the reception / display of the second selection screen in step S408 is replaced with the reception / display of the first selection screen 1 in step 608. For steps other than steps S606 and S608, the processing from step S601 to step S605 is exactly the same as the processing from step S401 to step S405, respectively, and the processing from step S609 to step S612 is from step S409 to step S412, respectively. Since it is exactly the same as the processing, the description is omitted here.

  FIG. 7 relates to communication performed between video distribution apparatus 100 and STB 160 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and a flow when a viewer selects a program on the second selection screen on the first selection screen. FIG.

  Next, processing when the viewer selects a program on the second selection screen in the first selection screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the processing from step S701 to step S706 is exactly the same as the processing from step S301 to step S307 in FIG. When the viewer selects a program using the program selection button (211 in FIG. 2) on the second selection screen, the STB 160 transmits the next selection screen request signal to the video distribution device 100 (S711). Here, the next selection screen request signal may be described in the information of the second selection screen displayed first, or may indicate which button on the second selection screen has been selected.

  The video distribution apparatus 100 that has received the VOD request signal (here, the next selection screen request signal) confirms in the transmission management unit 104 that the received VOD request signal is the next screen request signal. At this time, the transmission management unit 104 can determine that the viewer has selected the program on the second selection screen based on the VOD request signal received from the STB 160, so that the viewer can select the screen carefully. The second selection screen 1 that is a selection screen of the next hierarchy, that is, a selection screen with a large amount of information added with a background image in addition to the selection button is transmitted to the second screen storage unit 102. A request signal for requesting is transmitted (S712).

  The second screen storage unit 102 that has received the request signal from the transmission management unit 104 transmits the stored information of the second selection screen 1 to the STB 160 that has transmitted the VOD request signal via the communication unit 105 ( S713). In this case, the viewer determines that he wants to display a selection screen with a large amount of information, and continues to display the second selection screen 1 without a timer. The subsequent processing from step S707 to step S709 is exactly the same as the processing from step S307 to step S309 in FIG. 3, and will not be described here.

  FIG. 8 relates to communication performed between video distribution apparatus 100 and STB 160 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and the first selection screen after the viewer first selects the menu on the second selection screen in the first selection screen. It is a figure showing the processing flow when requesting.

  Next, a process different from the process in FIG. 7 when the viewer selects the first program on the second selection screen in the first selection screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  The difference from the case in FIG. 7 is that the viewer requests the first selection screen 1 from the video distribution apparatus 100 after selecting the first menu (program) on the second selection screen.

  The processing from step S801 to step S806 is exactly the same as the processing from step S301 to step S306 in FIG. When the viewer selects any one of the program selection buttons (211 in FIG. 2) on the second selection screen, the STB 160 transmits the next selection screen request signal to the video distribution apparatus 100 (S811). Here, the next selection screen request signal may be described in the information of the second selection screen displayed first, or may indicate which button has been selected on the second selection screen.

  The video distribution apparatus 100 that has received the VOD request signal (here, the next screen request signal) confirms in the transmission management unit 104 that the received VOD request signal is the next screen request signal. At this time, the transmission management unit 104 determines that the menu is selected on the second selection screen based on the VOD request signal received from the STB 160, and causes the first screen storage unit 101 to select the next layer selection screen. As a result, a request signal for requesting to transmit the first selection screen 1, that is, a selection screen with only a selection button and a small amount of information is transmitted (S812). The first screen storage unit 101 that has received the request signal from the transmission management unit 104 transmits the stored first selection screen 1 to the STB 160 that has transmitted the VOD request signal via the communication unit 105 (S813). . The STB 160 that has received the information on the first selection screen 1 displays the first selection screen 1 and incorporates the time described in the information on the first selection screen 1, that is, the time until the next selection screen request signal is issued. Set the timer to be used. If the program is not selected until the time set in the timer, the selection screen request signal described in the information on the first selection screen 1, here the request signal for the second selection screen 2, is sent to the video distribution apparatus 100. (S814). With respect to the subsequent steps S815 and S816, the selection screen to be requested or transmitted has a difference in the hierarchy in the menu structure, that is, whether the second selection screen or the second selection screen 1 is different, but steps S305 and S816 in FIG. Since it is the same as the process in S306, a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the processing from step S807 to step S809 is exactly the same as the processing from step S307 to step S309 in FIG.

  By performing the processing as described above, the viewer can select a program on the first selection screen with a fast screen display when the desired (selected) program is determined and the user wants to select the program quickly. In addition, when it is desired to select a program carefully, it is possible to select a program on the second selection screen with a large amount of information and a beautiful display.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the VOD system on the CATV network in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 9, the video distribution apparatus 900 accumulates a first selection screen group with a small amount of information including only selection buttons as a selection screen for a viewer to select a program such as a VOD menu screen. A first screen storage unit 901 that sequentially transmits one selection screen group to the STB 160 in a TS format at a constant cycle, and a selection button as a selection screen for a viewer to select a program such as a VOD menu screen. A second screen storage unit 902 that accumulates a second selection screen group with a large amount of information including a background image and the like, and sequentially transmits the second selection screen group to the STB 160 in a TS format at a constant cycle; A VOD server 903 that distributes video in response to a request and an output signal from the VOD server 903 and a request signal from the STB 160 that is a receiving device are received. It is composed of a communication unit 905. The selection screen group refers to the entire menu having a hierarchical structure such as a menu structure.

  Here, using FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, a video distribution device when a selection screen for selecting a program is transmitted in a broadcast form, that is, a TS format in a carousel system, and a VOD system on a CATV network Will be described.

  The operation itself of the video distribution apparatus and the VOD system on the CATV network in the third embodiment of the present invention is basically the same as the operation in the first and second embodiments of the present invention. The processing commands are different from those of the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a structure of menu data repeatedly transmitted as a data broadcast service by the carousel method according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the data structure and identification method of the selection screen, the selection screen reception method in the STB 160, and the like will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. bml is first selection screen data which is a top menu screen stored in the first screen storage unit 901, and a1. bml is the first selection screen 1 data which is the menu screen of the top next layer stored in the first screen storage unit 901, and a2. After bml, the menu data is such that the first selection screen 2 data two levels below the top, the first selection screen 3 data three levels below the top, etc., the menu data in which the hierarchy from the top sequentially decreases. Similarly, b. bml is second selection screen data which is a top menu screen stored in the second screen storage unit 902, and b1. bml is the second selection screen 1 data which is the menu screen of the top next layer stored in the second screen storage unit 902, and b2. After bml, the menu data is such that the second selection screen 2 data two levels below the top and the second selection screen 3 data three levels below the top are the menu data in which the hierarchy from the top sequentially decreases.

  For example, as described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the menu screen is transmitted to the STB 160 via the network when necessary, the top menu screen stored in the first screen storage unit 101 is used. A. First selection screen data a. bml is http: // ~ / a. Designated as bml.

  On the other hand, when the selection screen is in the broadcast format, the menu data is handled as TS defined by PMT (Program Map Table) in order to be handled as data broadcast data. bml is identified as the component tag value 0x40. Similarly, a1. bml is the component tag value 0x41, b. Individual values such as component tag value 0x48 are assigned to bml, and these menu data are periodically transmitted. By specifying the component tag value, the STB 160 as a receiver can receive desired menu data from a plurality of menu data transmitted periodically.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process flow in the STB when the carousel menu data in the third embodiment of the present invention is received.

  Next, the flow of processing in the STB 160 when carousel menu data is received as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the request signal from STB 160 will be described by taking an example described in BML (Broadcast Markup Language), but the present invention is not limited to this.

  When the VOD menu request from the viewer is received from the remote controller 170 (S1101), the STB 160 receives the top screen of the first selection screen from the menu screen transmitted as a data broadcast by the carousel method from the video distribution device 900. Therefore, the component tag value 0x40 is designated (S1102). The designation method in this case is epgToneToComponent (0x40).

  Next, as in the case of FIG. 4, the second selection screen request signal issue time described in the first selection screen is received and stored (S1103). The next selection screen request signal issuance time can be saved by permanently storing in the memory a file in which the end time (for example, 200) of timeinfo is written by writePersistentString described in BML. The subsequent processing in steps S1104 to S1106 is the same as the processing in steps S404 to S406 in FIG. That is, after saving the file in which the next selection screen request signal issuance time (herein, the second selection screen request signal issuance time) is entered, the first selection screen is displayed on the TV 180 (S1104). Subsequently, the file timeinfo in which the end time stored in step S1103 is described is read by readPersistentString, set to a built-in timer using setInterval with a variable name “endfile”, and processing performed when the timer is set at the same time () Is also set (S1105). Accordingly, when the timer counts up one by one and reaches endfile (for example, 200), the process described in timer () is executed (S1106).

  When the timer reaches a value set in endfile (for example, 200), that is, when the program playback (here, the first selection screen display) ends, reception of the second selection screen is performed as described in timer (). 0x48) (S1107). 0x48 is a component tag value indicating the second selection screen of the top screen stored in the second screen storage unit 902. The subsequent processing in steps S1108 to S1112 is the same as the processing in steps S408 to S412 of FIG. That is, after receiving the second selection screen in step S1107, the second selection screen is displayed on the TV 180 (S1108). When the viewer selects a desired program with the remote controller 170 using the second selection screen, the STB 160 issues a program distribution request signal to the video distribution apparatus 900 (S1109). When the STB 160 issues a program distribution request signal, channel selection information is transmitted from the VOD server 903 of the video distribution apparatus 900 via the communication unit 905, so the STB 160 receives the channel selection information (S1110). In the channel selection information, frequency information for selecting a distribution program and an ID indicating the program are described. The viewer selects and reproduces a desired program on the basis of the channel selection information (S1111), thereby completing a series of program selection processes (S1112).

  Next, a case where the viewer selects a program with the remote controller 170 while the first selection screen is displayed in the STB 160 will be described. In this case, the same process as when the viewer selects a program on the second selection screen is performed. That is, in FIG. 11, the processing in step S1109 and subsequent steps is executed after the processing in step S1105.

  By processing in this way, if you want to select a program quickly, you can select it on the first selection screen that has a fast screen display. If you want to select a program carefully, the amount of information is large and beautiful. It is possible to make a selection on the second selection screen of the correct display screen.

  Also, in this case, it is possible to make program selection on the first screen even faster by shortening the cycle for sequentially transmitting the first selection screen group than the cycle for sequentially transmitting the second selection screen group. Become.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a processing flow when the configuration of the menu screen that is the selection screen according to the third embodiment of the present invention is two layers.

  Next, processing when the configuration of the menu screen that is the selection screen has two layers will be described with reference to FIG. If the menu screen has three or more layers, the same processing as in the case of the two layers is repeated, and the description is omitted here.

  The processing when the configuration of the menu screen as the selection screen is two layers is basically the same as the processing in FIG. 11 showing the processing flow in the case of one layer, and the difference is the timer in step S1205. When the viewer selects a program by the program selection button (211 in FIG. 2) on the first selection screen before the set time of the timer is reached, the STB 160 uses the first selection screen request signal as the first selection screen request signal. The component tag value 0x41 of the selection screen 1 is designated to receive the first selection screen 1 (S1206), and the received first selection screen 1 is displayed on the TV 180 (S1208). The other steps are the same as those shown in FIG. That is, the processes in steps S1201 to S1205 are the same as the processes in steps S1101 to S1105, respectively, and the processes in steps S1208 to S1212 are the same as the processes in steps S1108 to S1112, respectively.

  By processing in this way, even when the menu screen is transmitted by data broadcasting, as in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the viewer can select on the early selection screen. It is possible to select a program by selecting whether the selection is made on a beautiful screen with a large amount of information.

  In the third embodiment of the present invention, the configuration in which the output signals of the first screen storage unit 901 and the second screen storage unit 902 are directly input to the IP-QAM 120 is shown. However, the first screen storage unit 901 and the second screen storage unit 901 The output signal of the two-screen storage unit 902 is input to a multiplexing unit (not shown) together with the output signal of the VOD server 903, and after time-division multiplexing is performed in this multiplexing unit, the input signal is input to the IP-QAM 120. However, the same effect can be obtained.

  The first screen storage unit 101 and the second screen storage unit 102 may be included in the VOD server 103, and the first screen storage unit 901 and the second screen storage unit 902 may be included in the VOD server 903. .

  Further, the VOD server 103 or 903 may be configured as an apparatus independent of the video distribution apparatus 100 or 900, respectively.

  Similar effects can be obtained by assigning remote control keys to normal video signals and non-displayed data broadcasts and associating the remote control keys with component tag values instead of the above data broadcasts.

  In the above description, BML is used as the description language. However, the same effect can be obtained in markup languages such as HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and XML (Extensible Markup Language).

  Further, the exchange of screen information requests and the like can achieve the same effect as described above even when using a cookie defined by HTTP.

  According to the video distribution apparatus of the present invention, an optimal menu selection screen can be provided in response to a viewer's request regarding a program selection method, such as when a program is desired to be selected quickly or when a program is selected carefully. This is useful in an on-demand service or data broadcasting that utilizes the display of a selection screen when selecting a video stored in the receiver terminal.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the VOD system on the CATV network in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 of this invention The figure which showed a mode that the selection screen switches from the 1st selection screen to the 2nd selection screen The figure showing the processing flow regarding the communication performed between the video delivery apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention, and STB. The figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of STB in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure showing the processing flow in case the structure of a menu screen is 2 layers regarding the communication performed between the video delivery apparatus and STB in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of STB in Embodiment 2 of this invention. Regarding communication performed between the video distribution apparatus and the STB in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the processing flow when the viewer selects the first program on the second selection screen in the first selection screen is shown. Figure Regarding communication performed between the video distribution apparatus and the STB according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, when the viewer requests the first selection screen after the first menu selection on the second selection screen in the first selection screen. Diagram showing processing flow Block diagram showing the configuration of a VOD system on a CATV network in Embodiment 3 of the present invention The figure which shows the structure of the menu data transmitted repeatedly as a data broadcasting service by the carousel system in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The figure which shows the processing flow in STB at the time of receiving the carousel type menu data in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The figure which shows the processing flow in case the structure of the menu screen which is a selection screen in Embodiment 3 of this invention is 2 layers. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a data receiving apparatus that realizes high-speed display disclosed in Patent Document 1

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Video delivery apparatus 101 1st screen storage part 102 2nd screen storage part 103 VOD server 104 Transmission management part 105 Communication part 110 CMTS
120 IP-QAM
130 mixer 140 CATV network 150 cable modem 160 STB as receiver
170 Remote control 180 TV
210 First selection screen stored in the first screen storage unit 211 One of the selection buttons 220 Second selection screen stored in the second screen storage unit 221 One of the background images 900 Video distribution device 901 First screen Storage unit 902 Second screen storage unit 903 VOD server 905 Communication unit X100 Data reception device X101 Reception unit X102 Data acquisition unit X103 Data analysis unit X104 Presentation unit X105 Control unit X106 Control information storage unit X107 Presentation start determination unit

Claims (8)

A video distribution device that distributes video in response to a viewer's request transmitted from a receiving device,
The video distribution device includes at least program storage means for storing distribution program information;
First screen storage means for storing information of a first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiving device;
Information on the second selection screen having more screen information different from the information on the first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiving device. A second screen storage means for storing;
The distribution program information sent from the program storage means and the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen sent from the first screen storage means or the second screen storage means to the receiving device Sending management means for controlling the sending of the viewer in response to a request from the viewer,
The program storage means, the first screen storage means and the second screen storage means are controlled by the transmission management means, and the distribution program information, the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen is transmitted. Receiving and transmitting them to the receiving device, and comprising communication means for receiving the viewer request information transmitted from the receiving device,
Video distribution characterized by selecting and transmitting at least two types of program selection screen information having different information amounts in response to the viewer's program selection screen request transmitted from the reception device to the receiving device apparatus. The information on the first selection screen is selection screen information that can be received in a short time in the receiving device with a smaller amount of screen information than the information on the second selection screen, and the information on the second selection screen is: The selection screen information having more screen information in addition to the screen in the information of the first selection screen, the first selection screen first in response to a program selection screen request transmitted from the receiving device The video distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information on the second selection screen is transmitted in response to program selection screen request information transmitted from the receiving apparatus. The menu hierarchy in each of the program selection screens of the information on the first selection screen and the information on the second selection screen is composed of at least two layers, and the first is selected according to the program selection screen request information transmitted from the receiving device. Information on the first layer of the first selection screen, and then information on any layer of the second selection screen according to the program selection screen request information transmitted from the receiving device or The video distribution apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein information on any one of the layers after the second layer of the first selection screen is transmitted. In addition to the program selection screen, the information on the first selection screen includes timer setting time information and information that automatically requests the video distribution device to transmit information on the second selection screen when the timer setting time has elapsed. The video distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the video distribution apparatus is a video distribution apparatus. A video distribution device that distributes video in response to a viewer's request transmitted from a receiving device,
The video distribution device includes at least program storage means for storing distribution program information;
The viewer accumulates information on a first selection screen for selecting the distribution program information stored in the program accumulation means in the receiving device, and repeats part or all of the information on the first selection screen. First screen storage means for outputting;
Information on the second selection screen having more screen information different from the information on the first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiving device. Second screen storage means for storing and repeatedly outputting part or all of the information of the second selection screen;
In response to a distribution program information request selected by the viewer based on the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen in the receiving device, the distribution program information output from the program storage means is received. And communication means for receiving the viewer request information transmitted from the receiving device and transmitting it to the receiving device,
An image distribution apparatus characterized by repeatedly transmitting at least two types of program selection screen information having different information amounts to the receiving apparatus. 6. The video distribution apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an output cycle of information on the first selection screen that is repeatedly output is shorter than an output cycle of information on the second selection screen that is repeatedly output. . A computer program for causing a computer to function as a video distribution device that distributes video in response to a viewer's request transmitted from a receiving device,
Program storage means for storing distribution program information;
First screen storage means for storing information of a first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiving device;
Information on the second selection screen having more screen information different from the information on the first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiving device. A second screen storage means for storing;
The distribution program information sent from the program storage means and the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen sent from the first screen storage means or the second screen storage means to the receiving device Sending management means for controlling the sending of the viewer in response to a request from the viewer,
The program storage means, the first screen storage means and the second screen storage means are controlled by the transmission management means, and the distribution program information, the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen is transmitted. A computer program for receiving, transmitting them to the receiving device, and functioning as communication means for receiving the viewer request information transmitted from the receiving device. A computer program for causing a computer to function as a video distribution device that distributes video in response to a viewer's request transmitted from a receiving device,
Program storage means for storing distribution program information;
The viewer accumulates information on a first selection screen for selecting the distribution program information stored in the program accumulation means in the receiving device, and repeats part or all of the information on the first selection screen. First screen storage means for outputting;
Information on the second selection screen having more screen information different from the information on the first selection screen for the viewer to select the distribution program information stored in the program storage means in the receiving device. Second screen storage means for storing and repeatedly outputting part or all of the information of the second selection screen;
In the receiving device, the distribution program information output from the program storage means is received in response to a distribution program information request selected by the viewer based on the information on the first selection screen or the information on the second selection screen. A computer program for transmitting the information to the receiving device and causing the viewer request information transmitted from the receiving device to function as communication means.